MJA presents nine demands to govt, including repealing Media Control Act

Maldives Journalist Association (MJA), on Sunday, presented nine key demands to the government, including the immediate repeal of the Media “Control” Act and the establishment of a self-regulatory framework, as well as the cessation of the criminal investigation into the online news outlet ‘Adhadhu’ in connection with the documentary ‘Aisha’.

In a statement on Sunday on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, MJA pointed out that Maldives has fallen four positions in this year’s Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF): something they described as an indication that urgent measures are needed to protect and strengthen press freedom.

MJA put forth nine demands, which they stressed were a priority to uphold genuine press freedom and foster a safe and thriving environment for journalists. They are:

1. Repeal the Media “Control” Act – the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act – and initiate immediate efforts to establish a self-regulatory framework
2. Cease the criminal investigation into ‘Adhadhu’ and its journalists in relation to the documentary,
3. Lift travel bans imposed on ‘Adhadhu’ editors
4. No criminal proceedings against media outlets in connection with their journalistic works
5. Publish the findings of the Deaths and Disappearances Commission concerning the disappearance of Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla and the brutal murder of Yameen Rasheed, and conduct an independent public inquiry
6. Investigate threats directed at journalists and their families to ensure their safety
7. Enforce the Right to Information Act and remove barriers to accessing public information
8. Amend provisions of the Evidence Act that compel journalists to disclose their sources, to ensure adherence to international standards
9. Ensure that financial support to media outlets from the state budget is allocated in a fair and transparent manner and engage journalists, editors, and civil society organizations in consultation throughout these processes

According to the latest World Press Freedom Index released by RSF, the Maldives has fallen to 108th place, down from 104th in the previous year. This ranking places the country among those where the practice of journalism is regarded as difficult.

The Maldives was ranked 87th in 2022, placing it among countries with a satisfactory level of press freedom. However, it declined to 100th in 2023 and, following a further drop in 2024, is now categorised among countries facing significant challenges to media freedom.

RSF further noted that the Maldives is experiencing setbacks across several key indicators. Specifically:

• Political indicator: declined from 123 to 129.
• Economic indicator: fell sharply from 118 to 157.
• Legal indicator: decreased from 103 to 126.
• Safety indicator: dropped from 56 to 77.

The only area of improvement was the social indicator, which rose from 133rd to 118th place.